Worthy recipient of Womenís Day award

Lake Macquarie Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer, Maree Edwards, was recognised at the New South Wales (NSW) Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.

Held on the eve of International Women’s Day, the Awards celebrate the contribution of women to local government in NSW.Ms Edwards, a descendent of the Wonnaruah people, took home the regional award for a non-senior staff member, in recognition of her ongoing work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Lake Macquarie.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Morven Cameron, said Ms Edwards was a worthy recipient of the award.

“Maree’s efforts in promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Lake Macquarie cannot be understated.“I’d like to congratulate Maree on this award win, and thank her for her contribution to both Lake Macquarie City and local government in NSW.

“Maree is an important touchpoint between our organisation, local aboriginal land councils, schools, community groups, Elders and the wider Lake Macquarie community, and I believe her exemplary work was key to us being named NSW Aboriginal Council of the Year in 2016.

“She organises annual Close the Gap, Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week events, runs cultural awareness training for Council staff and external stakeholders, publishes the quarterly Koori Grapevine newsletter, facilitates grants programs and, notably, in 2013 she authored a report, which was successfully endorsed by Council, to have the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags permanently displayed within the Council Chambers.”